Meanwhile, Chambrelli said that be- yond safety, he looks for a candidate’s willingness to learn and their mindset. “The first thing is always going to be teachability and attitude,” he explained. FINDING CLIMBERS Each company uses different tactics to find the right people, especially climb- ers. Bowser said Almstead uses various sources, including online job postings and networking. But the best method for finding talent is through word of mouth. For this, she oen relies on her current staff of climbers to help vet potential hires. “Climbers know climbers,” she said. “Networking and referrals are always the best route.” Bowser also stresses the importance of ensuring job seekers understand the company’s brand and presence in the tree care industry. She advocates for participating in events like ArborEXPO to raise awareness. Chambrelli agrees that being present at industry events is crucial for finding good talent. “Our talent and acquisition team is out talking to people,” he said. “Along with our speakers, we try to be present at every major event.” SavATree also engages with local com- munities by hosting open-house train- ing events to educate the public and spark interest in their work. TESTING A CLIMBER’S SKILL Some, like Almstead, have a trial climb to assess prospective employees’ abilities. “The best way to find out what a climb- er can do, and most people will do this, is they’ll bring that climber in for a trial,” Bowser said. She also asks specific questions about a climber’s technique during the
Once climbers are hired and trained, the next greatest challenge for tree care companies is retaining their talent.
Another crucial component to the screen- ing process is the climber’s safety ap- proach. Their philosophy and experience with job site safety influence how well they will fit in with the existing crew. “It’s a safety culture,” said Bowser. “You want climbers who practice safe- ty. A climber is not going to work with another climber who is not safe.” Hiring managers also look at certifica- tions to determine if a climber is a good
fit. Bowser values quality over quanti- ty, paying close attention to the indus- try and the environments in which a climber has worked. “If you’re looking for a strong climber, the ones coming from residential or commercial are much stronger than those coming from a utility [company],” she explained. A forestry-related degree or classes is an added bonus for Bowser.
56 | ArborTIMES Fall 2024
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